The earliest origins of the family name Indy date back to the Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It was a name given to a person with a mild temperment. The surname Indy is derived from the Old English word hendy, which means courteous, kind, and gentle. This word was also often used as a personal name. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.

Indy Early Origins

The surname Indy was first found in Surrey where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Indy Spelling Variations

Indy Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Indy include Hendy, Henday, Hendey, Hendley and others.

Indy Early History

Indy Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Indy research. Another 179 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1198 and 1391 are included under the topic Early Indy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Indy Early Notables (pre 1700)

Indy Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Indy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Indy In Ireland

Indy In Ireland

Some of the Indy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Richard Hendy settled in Barbados in 1679.

Citations

Citations

Other References

Thirsk, Joan. The Agrarian History of England and Wales. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press: 7 Volumes. Print.

Shaw, William A. Knights of England A Complete Record from the Earliest Time to the Present Day of the Knights of all the Orders of Chivalry in England, Scotland, Ireland and Knights Bachelors 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. Print. (ISBN 080630443X).

The Indy Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Indy Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.